Houston Texans' Dalton Schultz Ranked Among Top Tight Ends by PFF

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz has been one of the most productive players at his position this season, according to Pro Football Focus.

While the focus of the Houston Texans offense has rightfully been the dynamic rookie duo of quarterback C.J. Stroud and receiver Tank Dell, those two are hardly the only pieces that have played a vital role in coach DeMeco Ryans' squad entering December in playoff contention. 

Tight end Dalton Schultz has been productive in his first season with the Houston Texans.  :: Katie Stratman/USA Today

For example, Pro Football Focus says that Dalton Schultz -- signed away from the Dallas Cowboys this past offseason -- has graded out in a three-way tie for eighth-best tight end in their system. 

"Schultz moved across the state from the Cowboys to the Texans this offseason but has maintained his level of production with his new team," PFF wrote. "He’s averaging 1.44 yards per route run, 0.01 yards more than a year ago."

Schultz's 0.33 wins above replacement (WAR) is tied with Sam LaPorta of the Detroit Lions and Dalton Kincaid, two rookie tight ends who look like they could be the future of the position. 

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While playing for the Cowboys in 2021, Schultz caught 78 passes for 808 yards, looking the part of a budding star. But after failing to replicate that season in 2022, Schultz was forced to settle for a one-year/$6.25 million deal with the Texans. 

Schultz hasn't been utilized to the same extent that he was during his career year in 2021, but has 40 catches for 455 yards and five touchdowns. That should set him up well for a multi-year deal this offseason. 

However, it's unclear if general manager Nick Caserio and the Texans will be the team that gives Schultz a lucrative deal this offseason, or if he'll turn out to be one-and-done in Houston. Perhaps the hamstring injury that kept Schultz out of practice Wednesday has to do with it, but the veteran tight end lost some snaps to third-year man Brevin Jordan in last week's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

Still, Schultz is only 27 years old, so if he reaches free agency again this offseason, there should be plenty of suitors interested in his services.